Hoisting cradle



B. F. FITCH HOISTING CRADLE Sept. 23, 1924.

Filed April 22. 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet. l'

A Trae/vers Sept. 23, i924. y 1,509,400

B. rf. FITCH HOISTING CRADLE Filed April A22. 192i 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 B. F. FITCH HOI S T I NG CRADLE Filed April 22 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 H m m fN 7- TURA/fk5 Patented Sept. 23, 1924.

UNITED STATES BENJAMIN F. FITCH, OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS.

HOISTING CRADLE.

Application led April 22,'1921. Serial No. 463,531.

T 0 ZZ whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, BENJAMIN F. FITCH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Evanston, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Hoisting Cradles, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to a hoisting mechanism and is primarily concerned with the construction ofload engaging means adapted `for use in connection with the hoisting and conveying of freight containers.

My mechanism is arranged to be employed in a system for handling package freight, wherein the freight may be stored within a container, such as an automobile body, for transportation of a unit, from one distributing point to another. My invention is adapted to be utilized with a suitable form of overhead traveling crane, particulaily one having four dependingY flexible lifting members.

In effecting the transfer -for example, of a removable body to and from an automobile truck, I have provided a-cradle which is so arranged that it may beloweredf over the body and be readily moved into engagement therewith. As a loaded truck, for insta-nce, arrives at a station, it is possible for the mechanism to pick up a loaded body from the truck without requiring the services of anyone other than the crane operator, and to transport the bo'dy and then dep sit it. in a suitable position for storage or uiiloading.' As soon'a-s the suspended body is deposited upon a support, such as a stati fn platform, a further downward movemiint of the hoisting cables effects an automftic disengagement between the lcradle and the load. u

lin carrying out my invention, I employ a ciradle of articulated form, whiclris provided with load engaging portions extendinguit each side thereof, and is further provided with hinged intermediate portions which are employed for moving the loadengaging portions inwardly. This inward motion is sufficient to bring the load engag- 'ing portions beneath rigid members secured to the sides of the body, so that an upward movement, effected bv the lifting cables,

may cause the load to be engaged and thereafter raised,

, adapted to travel.

The means for accomplishing the above features will be more fully set forth in the following description, which relates to the drawings, and the essential characteristics of my invention will be set forth in the claims. i

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevation of an automobile truck body beneath an overhead hoisting mechanism having a cradle embodying vfeatures of my invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cradle and load engaging mechanism; Fig. 3 is an enlarged end view of one corner of the cradle; Fig. 4 is a plan of the corner shown in Fig. 3; Figs. 5 and 6 represent two positions of the hinged members on the cradle when the cradle is in load engaging and disengaging positions, respectively.

Designating the parts shown in the drawings by the use of reference characters, 10 and 11 represent supporting columns carryinga set of overhead tracks 12 and 13 on which a crane, designated generally at 14, is

Suitable hoisting mechanism is positioned on the cra-ne, and the embodiment shown comprises a motor 15, hoisting drum 1G and cables 17. Each of the cables are shown as having one end thereof secured to the hoisting drum and as having the other end thereof passing downwardly over the load supporting sheaves 18 and secured to the structural members of the crane.

My invention is concerned with the construction of a cradle that is adapted to be suspended by the hoisting cables and to be brought into engagement with a load. In Fig. 1. such a load is represented as a removable automobile body 19, which is carried on the ti'uckf) and is removably secured thereto. v

Referring now to Fig. 2, the numeral 2() represents suitable downwardly projecting hooked members or side bars which extend lengthwise of the body and are secured thereto adjacent the upper edge thereof. These body hooks may be in the form of structural niemberspor they may be short members positioned at separated intervals along walls of the body, in accordance with the construction of the body fra-me. The body frame preferablyl has suitable side trussing, asf indicated at 21, so that the stresses of the load on the body floor may be satisfactorily distributed.Y '0 the top of the body where the trough-shaped members 20 are loca-ted. It will thus be seen that 35 is preferably an I-beam that possesses `h .suilicient Lweight to force the hinged pintles 32 and 33 downwardly, and thereby force the bars25 outwardly when the cradle is suspended by the cable 17. l

To raise the load, I have shown a sheave 18, as positioiied adjacent each corner of the cradle, and as supported at 36 in the bracket 31. A convenient means for retaining the sheave in such position is to .provide reinforcing plates 37 and 38, which are positioned oneither side pf the sheave, and arranged to be rigidly secured to the bar 25, on the side opposite the reinforcing member 26. I have found that this construct-ion permits the employment of structural shapes, and at the same time provides suflicient rigidity to support a loaded bod The cradle, which is arranged to be carried by the supporting cables for engaging a load, comprises a pair of longitudinal hooked l rs 25, whichare preferably rolled structural shapes havin the lowermost end thereof curved inward y and upwardly so as to engage beneath the trough-shaped members 20. hle to a, small contact area between complementary trough-shaped members 20 andl -25, I provide a stiffening member 26 which may extend longitudinally of the bars 25 and be rigidly 'secured thereto. This reinforcing member is shown as a channel beam having outwardly facing flanges, and

positioned, adjacent the uppermost edge of j the members 25. v

.lower en Intermediate the bars 25v and'y preferably adjacent the ends thereof, I provide as statedy above, intermediate members or bars 27 and 28, which comprise upper and lower members respectively of a parallel linka system. These mem rs, or links, are shown as having one end thereof pivoted at 29 and 30 respectively to a bracket 31; and as having the other ends thereof at 32 and 33, thereby forming a hinged joint. Each hin ed joint 32 may 'be attached to the acro the top of the crane and be connected and provided with suitable-v pivoted together of a cable 40, which cable is arto a single cable 41, which single cable preferably extends downwardl so as to be within reach of the o rator. Ilhder the arrangement shown, a ownward pull on the ca le 4l effects an upward movement of the cables 40, and a consequent upward movement of the hinged joints, while a release ofthe cable 41 permits a lowering of the cable 40 with consequent lowering of the hinged joint.

Referring now to Fig. 6, it will be seen that the cradle is positioned directly above a load and that the engaging bars 25 are directly beneath the trough-shaped members 20. In this position, the arms 27, 28 are extended and the cradle is-'suspended by the oistin cables 17, from an overhead crane, and is eld in such outspread position by the weight of the gravity member 35. To cause the bar's 25 to move inwardly for engaging the load, thebuckling cables 40 are raised, whereupon the bars are moved inwardly and. are automatically positioned beneath the trough-shaped member on the body. Due to the arrangement of the intermediate members in the form of a parallel linkage system, the load engaging bars 25 move inwardly, and while so moving remain disposed in a plane, parallel to-their original position.

After the cradle bars are positioned beneath the trough-shaped members on the body, while the operator maintains the pull onvthe buckling cables thereby exerting a lifting force upon the hinged portions, the hoisting cables are raised, and the trough shaped bars on the cradle are brou ht into engagement with those on the b y. As soon as the body is raised, the load is carried by the longitudinal bars of the cradle without the aforementioned links being subjected to any of the lifting stresses. As soon as the load comes onto the cradle the pull on the buckling cable may be relaxed, as the parts remain in the position shown in Fig. 5. Assumin that a body has been raised and transporter? to a suitable position, either for storing or unloading, then the lowerin of the cables 17 is continued until such b y is positioned on the support. A further downward movement of the sup orting cables permits the connecting mem er 35 to depress the hinged pintles 32 and 33, and therey to spread the trough-shaped bars 25` so as to disengage them from the trough-shaped members 20 on the body. This disengagement is automatically effected by the weight of the connecting member 35 as soon as the load is removed from the hoisting c'ables.

In the operation of a system embodying a series of removable bodies, it will be seen that the employment of a hoisting mechanism, having a load engaging cradle constructed according to my invention, provides an eiiicient means for facilitating the handling ofthe loaded containers, and enables such handling to be accomplished in a minimum period of time. By the employment of my invention, the labor requirements are' quite materially reduced, it being possible to' operate the raising and buckling cables with the services of only one operator.

A cradle vconstructed according to my invention is, of course, adapted for engaging and thereafter raising a plurality of containers simultaneously by aligning such containers and engaging them as a unit by cradle bars which are substantially as long as the set of containers.

lt may be noted that this application is a continuation in part, of Patent No. 1,433,993 issued to me for transporting :freight by means of truck bodies is set forth such cve-.pending application, and reference may be had thereto for a description of such a system.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: a

1. In a hoisting mechanism, the combination with an articulated cradle hinged at each end, and adapted to engage a load, means for raising and lowering the cradle, and means operable 'independently of the raisin and lowering means for engaging the hinge portions, and for buckling them to bring the cradle into position to engage and `raise a load.

2. The combination` -of a supporting frame, cables depending therefrom, a hinged,substantially rectangular cradle `carriedl near the corners thereof by said cables, vand means operable independently of said ,cables for engaging the hinge of the cradle to bring the cradle into position to engage a load. A

3.A A cradle adapted to engage a removableJ automobile body, and comprisin load supporting side bars elevating cab es secured directly lover the side bars, and end bars secured `to the side bars and hinged together.

4. A cradle comprising a 'rectangular frame having a pair of hooked side bars adapted to engage a load, 'and a pair of end bars hinged at the middle, and intermediate said side bars, means for raising the side bars whereby the load may be lifted, and other means for moving the end bars whereby the load maybe engaged or released. f

`5. The combination of a frame, a pair of cables depending therefrom, a cradle connected with the cables, said cradle comprising side bars `and endbars, the end bars bein hinged intermediate the side bars, and a ca le pivotally connected with each of said hinges whereby the hinge may -be rais to cause the side bars to engage the loa 6. The combination of a sup orting frame, four cables depending there rom, a loadvengaigringl hinged cradle 1n the form of an open ame carried by said cables, two

October 31,l 1922.y A system.

on one side and two on the other, means for folding the cradle about the hinged joint, and means for simultaneously winding in or payinflr out said cables.

7. rhe combination of a supporting frame, four cables depending therefrom, a cradle in the form of an open frame intermediately hinged and carried by said cables, means for simultaneousl winding in or paying out said cables, an means for moving the hinge of the cradle for causing portions thereof to swing inwardly to engage a load.

8. The combination of a frame, four cables depending therefrom, a hinged load engaging cradle carried by said on one side and two on another, means for simultaneously Winding in or paying out said cables, and means for raising the hinge of the cradle tol cause its side portions to swing inwardly to engage a' load.

9. The combination of a frame, winding mechanism thereon, four cables depending from thewinding mechanism and adapted to be simultaneously raised or lowered by it, and a cradle supported by the cables and comprising side bars and a pair of end bars connected with the side bars and hinged to veach other.

l0. The combination of a frame, winding mechanism thereon, cables depending from the winding mechanism and adapted to be raised or lowered by it, a substantially rectangular cradle supported adjacent the cornersthereof by the cables and comprising side bars and a pairof end bars, said end bars being connected with the side bars and hinged to each other, and cables connected with the hinges yof the cradle to draw said hinges upwardly for causing the load engagino` sides to swing inwardly.

11. The combination ofca frame, a cradle suspended therefrom and comprising a pair of hooked side bars and a pair of end bars connected with the side bars and hinged to each other, anda member extending between the end bars and connected therewith adjacent to the hinge, said member tending to depress the hinge.

12. The combination with a removable automobile body having rigid downwardly extending projections on the wallsand adjacent the top thereof, of a hoisting mechanism comprising a rectan lar frame having a pair of oscillatable side bars adapted to be dropped over said sides for engaging the under sides of said projections, sheaves projecting above the side bars and cables extending beneath. the sheaves.

13. The combination with a removable automobile body having rigidly downwardly extending projections on its sides, of a hoisting mechanism having a cradle comprising a substantially rectangular lframe having side bars adapted to be dropped over said sides,

sheaves positioned adjacent the corners of cables, two

l the frame,

cables extending beneath the sheaves for raising the frame and means -for causing the side bars to swing inwardly said projecwith a removable having projections on its l side, of hooked side bars adapted to engage said projections, end bars hinged intermediately andI connecting said side bars, means adjacent thehinged connections for depressing the end bars, and raising meansconnected with the side bars.

. 15. The combination with' a removable automobile body Having projections on its sides, of a cradle comprising a pair of side bars adapted to engage said projections, and end bars having one end thereof connected with the side bars and the other end thereof inged intermediate said side bars, means connected with the side bars for'raising the cradle, means tending to depress said end bars, and means operable independently of the raising means for buckling the hinges of thel cradle.

16. The combination with a removable automobile body having projections on'its sides, of a frame having cables depending therefrom, a cradle carried by some of the cables and comprising a pair of hooked side bars adapted to engage said projections, and means for moving the side bars outwardly, said means being connected with the other of said cables.

17. The lcombination with a removable automobile body having pro] ections on its sides, of a cradle comprising a pair of side bars adapted to engage said pro'ections, and end bars connected to the si eV bars and hinged to each other, means for raising the cradle, and means independent of the raising means for buckling the hinges of the cradle.

18. rlhe combination with a removable automobile body having projections qu itssides, of a cradle comprising a pair of hooked side bals adapted to engage said projections2 and bars connectedto the side bars and hinged to each other, means tending to depress said hinged bars, and means for raising the hinges of the cradle.

19. The combination with a removable automobile body having downwardly extending projections oii its sides, of side bars iaving upwardly extending inner edges, and adapted to engage beneath said projections, andraising cables extending vertically from the side bars.

20. The combination with a removable automobile body having downwardly extending projections on its sides, of a hoisting mechanism 'having a cradle adapted to be dropped over said sides, means attached near the corners of the cradle for exerting a vertical raising force thereon, and means attached to the middle of the cradle for buckling the cradle to cause engagement with the under sides of said projections.

21. The combination with a removable automobile body having downwardly extendingprojections on its sides, of a cradle comprising a pair of hooked side bars adapted to en age said projections and end bars connecte to the side bars and hinged to each other, means for constantly urging the hinged end portions downwardly, and means for raising the hinges 'of the cradle.

22. The combination with a removable automobile body having projections on its sides, of a hoisting mechanism, a cradle suspended therefrom and comprising a pair of side bars adapted to engage said projections, and end bars connected to the side bars and hinged to each other, a weight tending todepress said hinged side bars, and cables for elevating the hinges. 23. The combination with a removable automobile body having downwardly facing hooked members on its sides adjacent to the top, of oscillatable raising bars extending lgngthwise of the body, said bars comprising members that extend upwardl and inwardly to engage beneath said hooked meinbers, and means for raisin said bars, while maintaining them parallelg.

24. The combination with a removable automobile body having downwardly facing hooked members on its sides adjacent to the top and longitudinal trough-shaped bars `adapted to hook upwardly into engagement with the side hooks in the body, and means for raising the trough shaped bars, While maintaining them parallel.

25. The combination with a removable automobile body having downwardly extending hooked members on its sides adjacent to the top, and a raising cradle having upwardly extending hooked members adapted to engage beneath those on the body, said cradle members comprising longitudinal trough-shaped bars and end bars connected with the longitudinal bars and hinged to each other.

26. The combination with a removable automobile body having downwardly extending longitudinally arranged hooked members at its sides adjacent to the top, a raising ciadle consisting ot' longitudinal trough-shaped bars adapted to engage be neath the hooked members on the body, and end bars connected to the longitudinal bars and hinged to each other, four raising cables connected with said longitudinal bars adjacent to their respective ends, and two cables connected with the end ybars adjacent to their hinges to buckle the cradle and swing its side bars inwardly. y

27. The combination with a device to be lifted, having downwardly facing hooked members and trough-shaped bars adapted to hook upwardly into engagement with the said members, and cables operatively connected to the trough-shaped bars and'extending thereabove for raising the bars, whereby lifting stresses are transmitted from a load directly to the cables.

28. The combination with a device to be lifted hav-ing downwardly facing hooked members, bars extending upwardly and inwardly to engage beneath said hooked members, means extending directly over said bars forvraising them, and other means for shifting said bars.

29. ln a hoisting mechanism, the com-` bination of an articulated cradle adapted to engage a load, means for raising and lowering the cradle, andmeans comprising a yfour-bar parallel motion linkage for buckling the cradle to cause it to come into posi-tion to engage the load.

30. A cradlecomprising side bars provided with means for supporting a load,

i spreading bars secured to the sidle bars and hinged together, gravitational means extending between the hinged connections of the spreading bars and normally tending to extend said spreadin bars, and means for buckling said sprea ing bars, whereby the side bars are caused to move inwardly while remaining parallel to themselves.

31. ln combination, a load having downwardly extending projections on the sides thereof, a cradle having side bars provided with inwardly and upwardly extending projections and having parallel linkage means 'for movingthe side bars inwardly, and other means for raisin the cradle to cause the projections thereot to engage with the projections on the load.

32.. A cradle comprising a pair of side bars adapted to engage .a load, a pair of articulated members connected to the side bars, and a longitudinal gravitational member connecting said articulated members inm termediate their points of articulation.

33 The combination with an automobile body having downwardly extending hooked body having members on its sides, of a cradlehaving upwardly facing ytrough-shaped members adapted to engage beneath said body members and havingl hinged separating bars pivoted at one end to the trough-shaped bars, said hinged bars comprising parallel links disposed one above the other, cables attached to the trough-shaped members for raising the cradle and other cables attached to the hinged bars for moving the troughshaped members inwardly to engage a body.

34. The combination with an automobile downwardly extending hooked members on its sides, of a cradle having trough-shaped members adapted to engage beneath said body members, and having hinged separating bars pivoted at one end to the trough-shaped bars, said hinged bars comprising parallel links disposed one above the other, a member extending between the hinged bars and tending to depress them for causing theJ hook shaped bars to move away from each other, and cables for raising said member to move the bars inwardly.

35. In a hoisting mechanism, the combination of an articulated cradle adapted.

to engage a load, said cradle comprising upwardly facing trough-shaped `side bars, and

mechanism for spreading the same comprising a longitudinal bar and four sets of Jfourbar linkage connecting it with the side bars, and four raising cables connected to the side bars independently of the linkage system. 36. The combination of a pair of hooked side bars adapted to engage a load, four sheaves carried two by each bar, and raising cables extending beneath the sheaves.

' 37. The combination oif a pair of hooked side bars adapted to enga e a load, sheaves carried bythe side bars, ca les extending beneath the sheaves for raising a load, and means operable independently of the cables .for moving the side bars laterally with respect to'each other.

In testimony whereof, l hereunto aix my signature.

- BENJAMIN F. FITCH. 

